Student Union
Meet Simba, a Zimbabwean at Oberlin College
Home Country: Zimbabwe
School: Oberlin College
Year: Freshman
Major: Undecided
Why did you decide to study in the US?
I decided to study in the US because of the diversity of options in the liberal arts curriculum. Because I was interested in a variety of fields and disciplines, I felt like a liberal arts education would be the best way to help me fully engage all of my intellectual interests and develop others that I may not have previously been exposed to or been aware of.
What book, movie or TV show do you think most informed your opinion on what the US would be like? Was it accurate?
I don’t think there was one particular source that influenced my perceptions of the US, but rather my perceptions were built from watching a number of television programs, movies and music videos. Many of the stereotypes I had have been reinforced, like the fact that Americans are very friendly and liberal, while others, like the myth that Americans eat burgers and fries all the time, have been debunked. While burgers and fries are of course delicious, daily consumption of these foods items is neither reasonable nor sustainable. This is one lesson I unfortunately had to learn from personal experience.
What’s one thing you like better about the US than your home country so far?
The casual and friendly nature of American people. Of course people in Zimbabwe are also very friendly, but I found that Americans are much more outgoing and more willing to start a conversation.
What’s one thing you like better about home than the US so far?
I prefer Zimbabwean food to American food! American food is certainly amazing, but I truly miss the familiar and comforting aroma of a wholesome, home cooked meal.
What one thing from home did you make sure to bring with you to the US?
I made sure to bring with me a wide variety of CD’s and mp3’s of my favorite Zimbabwean and African music. It is very comforting when you are missing home, or just want to be reminded of where you come from to be able to listen to sounds and rhythms that take you right back to the place that you probably miss the most.
What typical American thing are you most looking forward to?
I was definitely looking forward to meeting diverse people from all over the world, since the US is where people from all over the world converge. I have had the great opportunity to meet people from as far afield as Thailand and Myanmar to people who hail from right across the street from Oberlin College.
What’s the one thing you most want to teach Americans about your country?
I would love to impart to the richness of Zimbabwean culture and the colorful diversity of our beautiful nation. If I could, I would have packed the warmth of sub-Saharan Africa in my suitcase to share with my American counterparts here in icy Northeastern Ohio!
What emotion have you experienced most since leaving home?
I have experienced a variety of emotions from uncontrollable excitement to nervousness to elation and surprise and back again. On the whole, I have had mostly positive emotions about my new environment and the exciting opportunities that I will be exploring in the next four years.
What’s one thing (academic or not) that you’re really interested in besides your academic major?
I love writing! It is one of my favorite things to do and I am constantly searching for inspiring and compelling stories to document and record through the unique and powerful medium of literature.
What three words do you think your friends would use to describe you?
Driven, spontaneous and silly
See all News Updates of the Day
Harvard recommends gap year as a strategic move
While some students and parents see the gap year as a waste of time, others see the break in academic studies as valuable for developing maturity, earning money or focusing goals.
MSN.com explains some of the reasons why Harvard – and other prestigious schools in the United States – are recommending that students take a gap year. (December 2024)
Student dilemma: Financial aid applications can expose undocumented parents
Many students in the U.S. rely on financial aid to attend colleges and universities, but as Julia Barajas reports in LAist.com, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid could cause a dilemma for students with an undocumented parent.
If students fill out the application, they will share their parents’ financial information – and potentially raise questions about their immigration status -- with the federal government. If they don’t fill out the application, they won’t get federal financial aid. (December 2024)
FDA: College students using ‘honey packets’ to enhance sex put themselves at risk
With TikTok videos promoting “honey packets,” the supplements marketed as sexual enhancements have become popular on college campuses.
But as Charles Trepany reports in USA Today, the Food and Drug Administration has warned that ingredients in the supplements could be potentially dangerous. (November 2024)
Some universities encourage Chinese students to return before inauguration
Some colleges and universities are encouraging international students to return to the United States – or stay in the country over winter break – to make sure any White House travel restrictions don’t impede their return, the South China Morning Post reports.
Chinese students in the United States have expressed concerns about being allowed back in the country after U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office on January 20. Trump has promised sweeping immigration reforms and mass deportations. (December 2024)
Seven charged in social media drug ring at Rutgers University
An undercover narcotics investigation at Rutgers University in New Jersey led to the arrest of seven people, NBC News reported.
Investigators say they found large amounts of marijuana, LSD, cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, Adderall and Xanax. The drugs were offered on a menu circulated on a private social network of individuals affiliated with school, authorities said. (December 2024)
